scholarly journals The development soft skills and communication in English in engineering students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 115-136
Author(s):  
Mercedes Querol Julián ◽  
Javier Díez Ramírez
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Language Of Science ◽  
Globalized World

Mastering English is a must for all engineers in the current globalized world where English is the language of science, communication and business. In an engineering syllabus, however, in addition to technical skills and English proficiency, the development of other competences also needs to be considered. To adequately equip engineering students for their careers, we also have to promote the development of soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time-management or leadership, among others. ICLHE (Integrating Content and Language in Higher Education), which is itself evocative of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) approach extensively used in other educational levels, appears as an alternative to integrate language learning in non-language subject curriculums in higher education and to develop soft skills. This paper makes a literature review to find out the main aspects that engineering instructors should consider to properly implement ICLHE to enhance learners’ development of soft-skills through the active methodologies of Project-Based Learning and Flipped Classroom. In the last part of the study, a 10-step guideline is proposed, which will help teachers to integrate these active methodologies in an ICLHE engineering subject.

Factors affecting assignment completion in higher education

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1251-1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wuttiporn Suamuang ◽  
Surachai Suksakulchai ◽  
Elizabeth Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Potential Range ◽  
Task Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Assignment Completion

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to simultaneously investigate a variety of factors related to assignment completion (AC) (i.e. task orientation, cooperation, teacher feedback, time management and time spent on AC).Design/methodology/approachThe study relied on a self-report survey to assess students' perceptions in relation to six variables. Participants included 1,106 undergraduate students from six public Thai universities. Analysis involved structural equation modeling.FindingsThis study provided new results related to task orientation as the strongest predictor of AC and time management. Cooperation and feedback improved AC with time management as an intervening variable. Time management and feedback did not predict time spent on AC.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies might explore the potential range of assignments that, for example, count for a higher portion of the grade versus those that are less or unimportant in terms of the course. Future studies might also look at the role of group assignments in relation to completion. Semi-structured interviews or observations might provide insights into how students manage their time and why task orientation has the most effect on AC. Future research might investigate more specifically at what point time management does or does not affect completion. In general, given the growth of online learning and contexts in which students may be increasingly called on to complete assignments independently, factors such as those investigated in this study will require more attention in varying countries and contexts, generically and for individual subjects.Practical implicationsInstructional designers and instructors can promote task orientation through reliance on strategic scaffolding. For designing a task-oriented environment, instructors need to offer challenging assignments. Instructors should also assign work that encourages motivation, effort and achievement. To ensure that cooperative learning positively affects time management, instructors and designers can allot specific in-class time for completion of tasks, reliance on flipped classroom activities and student conversations regarding time restrictions and time-management skills. Instructors can be supported to help them provide appropriate types of feedback, as well as ideas for implementing the feedback in practice.Originality/valueLittle research has been conducted on AC in higher education. Those studies that have been conducted have focused on the elementary and secondary levels. Furthermore, studies have not always taken into account the complex relationships between different factors that can potentially influence AC.

scholarly journals Teaching as coaching: Experiences with a video-baed flipped classroom combined with project-based approach in technology and physics higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herena Torio
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Teaching Approach ◽  
Knowledge Dissemination ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Digital Society ◽  
Knowledge Appropriation ◽  
High Level

The role of faculty in higher education as knowledge disseminators within the knowledge and digital society can be completely redefined. This paper presents results from a video-based flipped classroom approach combined with a project-oriented learning arrangement. I show that videos combined with a project-based learning setting can be a powerful tool to facilitate the shift from knowledge dissemination to knowledge appropriation. Besides, results show a high level of student's satisfaction and achievement during the course. The competences obtained by the students during the course reach far beyond those possible in a similar course with a traditional teaching approach.

scholarly journals The Development of Mathematics and Soft Skills at the Graduate Level through Project- Based Learning in Times of COVID-19

TEM Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1638-1644
Author(s):  
Edgar O. Cardoso-Espinosa ◽  
Jésica A. Cortés-Ruiz ◽  
Ma. Elena Zepeda-Hurtado
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Quantitative Model ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Quantitative Methodology ◽  
Mathematical Terminology

The objective of the research was to analyse the development of mathematical competences and soft skills in graduate students through the implementation of the Project-Based Learning methodology in times of COVID-19. The type of study used was a quantitative methodology with a descriptive scope. The instrument used to obtain the information was a questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The main results were that the participants developed the mathematical competences of using mathematical terminology, formulating and estimating the quantitative model. The soft skills developed were time management, collaborative work, self-regulation and decision-making.

scholarly journals Students’ perceptions of the project based on the potential of their region: A Project-based learning implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 295
Author(s):  
Syahril Syahril ◽  
Rahmat Azis Nabawi ◽  
Dian Safitri
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Interpersonal Skills ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Management Communication ◽  
Method Approach

Developing engineering students whose ability to work and make a real contribution to the development of technology can be done not only after they have graduated from college but also when they are still in college. One of the strategies is by implementing project-based learning with the project based on the potential of the student's region. This study aims to reveal students’ perceptions of learning and soft skills acquisition toward the implementation of the strategy to answer whether the project is effective to implement. This study was conducted on fifty-one Indonesian college students who took Mechanical Drawing course. It belongs to a one-shot case study with mixed-method approach. The result shows that the project based on the potential of the student’s region is effective to raise their perception of motivation, interest, real-world, very beneficial, learning more lecture and enjoyable so that they learn more actively and provide more time to study. It also develops students’ soft skills, including teamwork, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills. The results may have pedagogical implications in improving learning quality in Mechanical Drawing course by enriching project references used in implementing project-based learning. Furthermore, the project given can be a solution in developing the potential of the students’ regions.

scholarly journals Teaching Business English to Future Economists Using a Multimedia Textbook

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana P. Bykonia ◽  
Iryna V. Borysenko ◽  
Iryna M. Zvarych ◽  
Tetiana V. Harbuza ◽  
Myroslava V. Chepurna
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Business English ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of the study is to examine and evaluate the impact the “flipped classroom” model-based learning environment accompanied by multimedia-based textbook entitled “English through Soft Skills” provides for the learning styles of the university students majoring in Economics. The study sought to identify tangible (seemingly measurable) and intangible (difficult to measure) gains the “flipped classroom” learning model brought to both students and instructors. A multimedia textbook “English through Soft Skills” was developed for the study. A multi method approach was used to gather feedback and quantitative methods were used to analyze the data. Specifically, Covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) software as SPSS AMOS and Textalyzer were used to process the students’ responses to survey questions. The results reported a shift in student preferences in learning, including a greater desire to engage independently with computer-assisted work, quicker problem solving, increased motivation to study, and improved time management and lifelong learning skills. Additionally, there was a shift in teaching approaches of the instructors, namely from a teacher-centered to a student-centered approach. The study may better inform building the learning process for the students with limited learning opportunities or studying the distance learning model. Despite the experimental group involving only the students majoring in Economics, this methodology could be applicable to teaching English for Specific Purposes to other majors, such as: Business, International Relations, Psychology, Law. The research is advancing the knowledge of integration multimedia tools into teaching, and specifically the use of multimedia textbooks in the “flipped classroom” settings to deliver Business English course to the students majoring in Economics

Students’ Awareness and Embracement of Soft Skills by Learning and Practicing Teamwork

10.28945/4650 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 185-201
Author(s):  
Noa Ragonis ◽  
Orit Hazzan ◽  
Gadi Har-Shai
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Software Engineering ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual

Aim/Purpose: This paper presents a study about changes in computer science and software engineering students’ perceptions of their soft skills during their progress through the Computer Science Soft Skills course. Background: Soft skills are often associated with a person’s social, emotional and cognitive capabilities. Soft skills are increasingly sought out and are well recognized by employers alongside standard qualifications. Therefore, high importance is attributed to soft skills in computer science and software engineering education. Methodology: Content analysis was applied to interpret, categorize and code statements from students’ course assignment answers. Data analysis was performed gradually at the three main stages of the course and by the two students’ study populations. Contribution: The paper highlights the variety of (a) soft skills that can be learnt in one course, both on the individual level and on the team level and (b) assignments that can be given to students to increase their awareness and motivation to practice and learn soft skills. Findings: Data analysis revealed the following: (a) five individual soft skills categories, with 95 skills, and five team-related soft skills categories, with 52 skills (in total, the students mentioned 147 soft skills); (b) course assignments and particularly team-based activities elicited student awareness of their individual soft skills, both as strengths and weaknesses; (c) students developed their reflection skills, particularly with respect to team-related soft skills; and (d) significant differences exist between the two groups of students in several categories. Recommendations for Practitioners: It is important to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to integrate soft skills during their training. Establishing a meaningful learning process, such as project-based learning, enables students to apply and develop soft skills when accompanied by reflective thought processes. Recommendation for Researchers: A similar course can be taught and be accompanied by similar analysis of students’ learning outcomes, to examine the influence of local culture on the characteristics of soft skills. Impact on Society: Increased awareness of soft skills in scientists and engineers’ undergraduate education. University graduates who will strengthen their variety of soft skills in their academic training process and will be more meaningful employees in the workplace and in society. Future Research: Our future research aims (a) to explore additional innovative ways to increase students’ learning processes, awareness and practices in relation to soft skills and (b) to research how students’ soft skills are developed during the entire undergraduate studies both on the individual level and the team level.

Business Education in the USA

2021 ◽  
pp. 146-176
Author(s):  
Anatoly Zhuplev ◽  
Nataly Blas
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Business Education ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
American Higher Education ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Economic Trends ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Industrial Revolutions

This chapter examines emerging trends and developments of business education in American higher education. The authors trace the genesis of U.S. business education to its medieval roots and explore its progression through historical stages and four industrial revolutions, including the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Analysis reveals eight mega drivers affecting universities and colleges and creating development opportunities and competitive pressures for change. Drivers range from stagnant enrollments to skyrocketing costs of higher education to the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). In examination of implications of the 4IR and emerging socio-economic trends for B-schools, the chapter discusses developmental outlook and emerging instructional innovations such as flipped classroom, project-based learning, and others.

Contextualized Culture Integration through Project-Based Learning in EFL Classrooms in Vietnam

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 5-15
Author(s):  
Elvira Sanatullova Allison ◽  
Thanh Do
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Cultural Perspectives ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Culture Integration ◽  
Efl Classrooms ◽  
Culture And Language

Integrating culture into language contexts in EFL classroom has been an issue of substantial concern for years. Different methods or approaches have been introduced for the integration of culture and language learning. Recently, project-based learning (PBL) seems to be a favorite choice among methodologists. This paper analyzes the syllabi of a drama project and a cultural project to address cultural aspects in PBL in EFL classrooms. The findings show that PBL provides opportunities to enhance and improve students’ language skills and soft skills. More importantly, a wide range of knowledge of different cultural perspectives may be collected during the projects. Journal of NELTA, Vol 20 No. 1-2, December 2015, page 5-15

scholarly journals IMPLEMENTING A FLIPPED CLASSROOM STRUCTURE IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION BETTER SUITED TO THE INDUSTRY 4.0

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Jamila El haini
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Classroom Structure ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Flexible Processes

The fourth industrial revolution or industry 4.0 which is a consequence of the rapid change of information is characterized by ultra-connected and flexible processes in order to develop rapidly a personalized product to be utilized in a limited time. This revolution requires new competencies named the soft skills. So, the challenge for educators is to train students with the soft skills needed in the industry 4.0. This is why; I implemented the flipped classroom method with a new structure based on PowerPoint presentation for the hydraulic and pneumatic systems’ course during the first semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. The flipped course was delivered for two classes in their fourth year of engineering studies in the National School of Applied Sciences, Fez Morocco. The flipped classroom method is being implemented in a growing number of higher education institutions, but I propose a new structure which aims to improve the engineering students’ soft skills especially the lifelong learning, critical thinking, curiosity, autonomy and communication and presentation techniques in order to success in this digital age and to meet the industry 4.0 requirements. The results of an anonymous survey and a t-test are very satisfactory and show that this method has a very positive feedback from the students. For me, I can approve that this method is a rewarding teaching experience with minimum technical, technological and logistical resources, but it requires more effort from the teacher who becomes rather a coach and a facilitator.

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